This week we really focused on the Book of Mormon, we realized in our Zone training thing that we needed to improve and use it more, and more effectively... So when we were visiting the Sawasi family, and i asked to see Ara's Book of Mormon, as I was looking at it, i found the book mark in Alma 48!!! Then while checking to see if she actually read it all, i was seriously blown away by all the marks throughout the whole entire book up to Alma... Then nanay handed me a stack of small Cardboard pieces, when I looked at them closer i saw writing on them.  As i went through each one, Ara a 13 year old, had written about 20 of her favorite verses on little pieces of cardboard, because she didn't have any paper at the time... So my testimony of the Book of Mormon has grown, why else would a 13 year old read a big book, unless she knew it was true?!? Sobrang Astig talaga!!!

We also taught the Abenoja family this week about the Restoration.  So we have been focusing on the Plan of Salvation lately because that is what my mission president told us to do.  But me and my companion realized its importance, that without it the authority to have an eternal family would not be on earth, and this is how they can know of all of what we say if it is true or not...  It is so true, i love that fact, that we actually know what happened!!! And we can share it to others so they can know for themselves!! Its good to be a missionary:)

Thats all for this week, thanks for the email!!!

Love, Elder Alldredge

So you know how I told you I would probably transfer this past week?!? haha well here I am in Palayan, and I will most likely die here in this area.... #lastarea so weird!!!  But there was a change.  I am now the new District Leader here in Bongabon District.  Its exciting, for the new opportunity, hopefully everything goes well!!!  Also I am still with Elder Guia for the 4th transfer in a row, and I will be his last companion... because it is his last transfer this transfer....

As for miracles this week there were many, but on our way here I talked to a Nanay on the Jeepney.  She introduced herself in perfect English and asked who I was.  I explained about being a missionary and representative of Jesus Christ.  She kept asking questions like why I was here, what I shared as a missionary, if i was being paid for my service, if i would be a pastor when i go home, and a lot more... The Jeepney drive was about 30 minutes so I had time to tell her all about her questions.  For me this was an AWESOME experience, a testimony builder.  I don't know why this nanay was in this jeepney, or why I sat down next to her, but I am thankful to her for this chance to just bear testimony about truly why i am here.  I know someday she will be taught, someday she will accept this message, and I am grateful for every single chance I have to share my testimony to others, because I know that all of this is true, and I wouldn't trade any of those chances for anything.  

I have some exciting and funny news for you this week:)

I got the weirdest compliment in my life... We were walking down the street and giving all the kids high fives like usual, and a kid gives me a high five, grabs my hand, looks at it real close and said "Sobrang malinis yung kamay mo" in English (Your hands are so clean) haha its cuz I'm white and he isn't used to it, but it was so hilarious, we died laughing:):):)

This week we also ate Exotic Snake Turtles...  They come from a river here in the Philippines and we ate them, as an ulam for our rice, it was actually super good turtle adobo;)  And for some other updates on different things we eat quite often are Chicken feet, liver, intestines, and chicken heart.  It is all pretty good:) As long as its cleanly made:) haha we make sure it is....:)

Love ya'll,

 Elder Alldredge

Enjoying the Filipino children!

Just chillin

Catching turtles

Cooking turtles :)

Sunsets!

Sorry about this last one - ahah turtle pala

This week was another solid hard working week, busy talaga!!

Some of the highlights ,

I had Exchanges with Elder Moore and Elder Mondares.  We stayed in my area Palayan for both exchanges, and we had some awesome lessons, and talked to a lot of people...  The coolest lesson was probably with the ReyesDote family.  Me and Elder Mondares were at there front gate and their house was way back, but we really felt to OYM it, so we yelled "TAO PO!!" Which in direct English translation means "People(respectfully:)" haha sometimes English just makes things way harder;)  But then we taught them all about eternal families, they told us they have never heard anyone say about an eternal wedding, which is always so cool!! And they were both super happy to hear it, sister was beaming, so we are hoping and praying that they will continue to listen!!

We gave Tatay Abelino Sawasi a polo, slacks, and a tie.  He looked so good, it was super awesome, but i didn't get a picture... sorry:)  But he got so many compliments from members it was awesome!

Also a 7/11 opened up in our area, we are getting pretty high up now here in Palayan;)

Sorry for the short email!!!

But love ya'll, thank you for being you... cuz you are the best!!!

Elder Alldredge

FHE with the Sawasi Family!  The winners of the games draw on the losers faces!

This week was a work hard all day every day week.... It wasn't quite the most exciting ever, but it was solid!!  It is one of the best feelings ever to come home after a long hard day of work, and your feet are killing, but you know you did a lot of good in that day.  Even though sometimes we aren't able to teach as much as we would like, we talk to a TON of people, cuz thats how missionary work gets done!! Also i saw a quote from President Uchtdorf he said "Your missionary task is to share your beliefs and to not be afraid."  To Fear God over fearing man, and that is how i have found to truly connect with the Spirit, when I am following God's will for me through opening my mouth to everyone.  

As for a story this week, we had invited the Labiano family to go to church throughout the week, but weren't able to teach because Tatay wasn't there.  But we went on Sunday morning to remind them to come, and as we were singing the opening hymn, in they walk:) That is just about the best ever!!! Thats what I call faith!!  Then we taught them after church about eternal families, they want it for their family, so we are PUMPED for them, so excited to help that wish become true for them.  Because to be honest no one else truly believes in eternal families.  They usually say they do when we ask them, but their religion does not believe that... So we are teaching boldly with scriptures and letting people know that there is only one way, and that is through Christ, and his Gospel.  Its super fun to follow the spirit by testifying Boldly about our believes, not being afraid at all...:)

Love ya'll!!!

Elder Alldredge